You will see or hear this phrase frequently in our dentist's office; the mouth, your oral health, is a portal to the rest of the body, both physically and emotionally.
We believe that a healthy mouth is part of a healthy body, not simply a separate entity. As the portal to the rest of the body, the mouth holds many clues to what could be occurring both within and outside the body. During your routine exams with Dr. Manisha Grover and her attentive staff, they will be assessing not only your oral health but evaluating your entire health.
What is “Oral Systemic Health”?
Your mouth is responsible for many of the day-to-day functionality of the entire body. From eating, talking, and breathing, our mouth provides a passageway to many of the body systems including the respiratory and digestive systems. During your routine dental exam, our team is not solely testing for possible periodontal disease or cavities. A thorough examination can assess possible symptoms and clues for illnesses associated with other parts of the body. Dentists can detect the signs and symptoms of 120 diseases.
Can Poor Oral Health Cause Illnesses?
Poor oral health is found to be linked to a number of illnesses including the following:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes and Alzheimers
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pregnancy complications
- Anorexia and bulimia
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
Oral Health & Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives every year than all types of cancer combined. Studies show 80-90% of all cardiovascular cases could be prevented with a simple lifestyle change.
Proper Oral Health Can Help Prevent Heart Attack, Stroke, and Type 2 Diabetes
There are many pathologies that drive vascular events and unfortunately, oral health does not receive enough credit. Periodontal pathogens, otherwise known as bacteria, can also cause heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Our Arlington dental office strives to prevent future cardiovascular disease by educating our patients on the importance to maintain their oral health. By maintaining regular dental examinations to check both teeth and gums, it is a life-saving method to help prevent heart attacks and/or strokes.
Risk Factors For Developing Heart Disease
Risk factors for heart disease include the following:
- Gum Disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
There is no question that oral health is associated with cardiovascular risk. Once you are 30 years old, there is a 50% chance you have periodontal disease. Once 65 years of age there is an 85% chance for periodontal disease. Optimal maintenance of oral health can help to prevent heart attack and stroke.
Periodontal Disease Linkage to Systemic Diseases
There are many indicators of potential periodontal disease. These include the following:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Swollen or red gums
- Teeth feeling loose
- Gum receding
Although there is no cure for periodontal disease, it can be treated through proper periodontal cleanings and proper home care.
Inflammation in the mouth is not solely an indicator of periodontal disease. Other inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes can manifest in the mouth, causing periodontal disease. It is imperative to maintain regular visits to the dentist to not only prevent possible periodontal disease but by doing so, help to fight off infection and inflammation to the entire body.
How Clarendon Dental Arts Plan to Help
At Clarendon Dental Arts, the focus is, on what can we do optimally for the patient through mouth, mind, and body. It is our philosophy to not only lead our patients in the education of optimal oral health but the importance of overall health and wellness. Our staff understands that we represent a crucial component in people's staying healthy.
Environmental Changes to Help Live Longer
- Avoid tobacco
- Right food choices. Avoid the following: added sugar, added syrups, simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans-fats
- Be physically active
- Manage stress
Schedule a Dental Exam with Clarendon Dental Arts
Whether you are regaining better functionality, undergoing smile rejuvenation, or already healthy (and are in our preventative maintenance program) we strive to keep your overall health and well-being first and foremost. A healthy smile always leads to both a better physical and emotional state; contact us today at 703.525.5901 to schedule your appointment!
